Shades of Pale Hopping

A treasured Park City brewery grows up

Mountains, a beautiful wife, and beer. When his father gave him a home brew kit 15 years ago, Trent Fargher had no idea it would lead to a life he had only dreamed of up to that point. Fargher turned his hobby into Shades of Pale Brewing Co. (1950 Woodbine Way, 435.200.3009) when he and his wife, Alexandra, moved to Park City in 2009 from Breckenridge, Colorado, where hundreds of microbrews fill stores’ shelves.

“Utah beer drinkers are hungry for diversity,” says Trent, citing this need as the reason for the couple’s exodus to the Beehive State. “For someone who loves to try new flavors, there was a limited selection here,” he says.

Utah beer drinkers are hungry for diversity ... for someone who loves to try new flavors, there was a limited selection.

Four years later, this Park City brand specializing in 3.2 (percent by weight) ales is carried in grocery stores, gas stations, and watering holes all over town. “Beer is the number one selling beverage on the planet,” Alexandra Fargher says. “People are fascinated with it. They have a shared passion and excitement about it.” Her husband refers to the relaxed, social atmosphere that happens when you crack a cold one. “Plus I can express my creativity. It’s not solely about the end product. I love the complexity of craft beers. It’s a happy business,” he adds.

The couple, however, would be happier if they could find a larger space. In two years, they have outgrown their storage-unit-size location across the street from Recycle Utah on Woodbine Way. “People are loving our beer,” Fargher says. “We have customers on a waitlist.”

In the meantime, stop by Park City’s only onsite production brewery and take home your own adventure brew. Each label features a local hike, bike, or snowshoe trail so you can plan your next event to toast. “It’s about getting out of bed every morning and doing something you love,” he says.